Military’s Special Force Fails To Capture Benue’s Wanted Killer During Operation

Benue’s most wanted criminal, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Gana, has once again outsmarted the military and other security forces when his gang’s hideout was raided during an operation to capture him on May 16.

A special force of the military deployed to capture him in Mtan village, Utenge Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA of the state failed to accomplish the task as Gana managed to escape, although with gun shot wounds.

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A statement issued by Coordinator,
Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, John Enenche, said during the raid, Gana narrowly escaped with gunshot wounds.

This is coming a week after the “second most wanted criminal” in the state, Terugwa Igbagwa, was killed by the military during a raid.

Gana has been on the watchlist of the Benue State government in connection to killings in Zaki Biam area of the state. Governor Samuel Ortom also placed a ransom on his head.

Recall also that the Nigerian Police Force, had in 2017, declared Gana wanted. He had since then evaded arrest.

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According to the statement, Special Forces deployed in Gbise and Zaki Biam in Benue State which carried out the raid, killed two of Gana’s men, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“In a special operation, a combined team of Operation WHIRL STROKE  Special Forces troops of Sector 2 deployed in Gbise and Zaki Biam in Benue State and Sector 4 from Taraba State carried out a raid operation on the hideout of the wanted notorious criminal named Gana in Mtan village in Utenge Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State on 16 July 2020. Two (2) of the gang members were neutralized and others fled with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Exploitation revealed that Gana narrowly escaped death with gunshot wounds,” the statement reads briefly.

“Items recovered include: One (1) locally fabricated machine gun, Six (6) locally made rifles, Two (2) locally fabricated cartridge guns, One (1) dane gun, Two (2) revolver pistols,Two(2) Cartridge pistols, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition Two (2) Motorcycles, One (1) Camouflage shirt, One (1) generator set, One (1) bag of gun powder and assorted charms. Gana’s personal belongings, other items and thatched houses were destroyed.”

Meanwhile, the statement further disclosed that, seven members of the Bassa militia were arrested by troops of Sector 3, in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following information that they were planning to attack some Tiv villages over land disputes.

“Troops of Sector 3 deployed at Ondori in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State acting on credible intelligence that a group of Bassa armed militia were planning to attack some Tiv villages over land disputes.

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“Troops raided their camp located at Kpelebewa village in Rukubi area of Doma LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops apprehended Seven (7) members of the Bassa militia dressed in Red shirts in the camp.

“Items recovered include One (1) locally fabricated machine gun, Six (6) locally fabricated rifles, Two (2) locally fabricated cartridge guns, One (1) Dane gun, Two (2) revolver pistols, Two (2) Cartridge firing pistols, 57 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 29 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 22 cartridges of ammunition. Other items are  One (1) dagger, poisoned bows and arrows, desert Camouflage head gears and pouch, Six (6) phone handsets and some charms,” it said.

The suspects, according to the statement, are currently undergoing interrogation and would be handed over to the Nigeria Police.

Furthermore, the statement called on the general public to continue to provide authentic information to the armed forces in order to facilitate its operations in the country.

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